Fans of Katherine Applegate, Holly Goldberg Sloan, and Lynda Mullaly Hunt will love New York Times bestselling author Amber Smith’s heartwarming middle grade debut about family, friendship, and the magic connection between a girl and her dog. Eleven-year-old Sadie’s school year is off to an awful start. Her best (and only) friend has moved away, her older brother is a jerk (as always), and her beloved Gramps is having more and more trouble keeping his memories straight. But when she comes across a stray dog, she discovers something wonderful and magical—she and the dog, Dewey, are able to communicate telepathically. Sadie knows that Dewey is destined to be her friend. Dewey is quickly captured and sent to a shelter. And Sadie’s moms say Dewey is dangerous, a bite risk, and that Sadie, whose mind is always wandering with a larger than life imagination, needs to prove she’s more responsible before she can adopt any pets. But Sadie is running out of time—Dewey lets Sadie know that her days at the shelter are numbered. The only solution: break Dewey out of doggie jail. In this reaffirming, magical, and uplifting story of friendship, family, and believing in yourself, New York Times bestselling author Amber Smith assures readers: it’s okay to think big and act with your whole heart. Gr 3-7-Turning 11 has meant nothing but trouble for Sadie. School is awful, her best friend has moved away, her older brother has turned into a brat, and now her grandfather, who is fighting dementia, is coming to live with them. If only something good would happen in her life, she might just make it through this terrible year. For Sadie, that something good wanders into her yard one day and she instantly makes a connection. It's a dog, but not just any dog-Sadie swears they can communicate telepathically. The dog is scared and wants nothing more than a good meal and a warm place to sleep. Sadie knows her moms will never allow her to have a dog, not with Gramp's arrival and the changes that are about to come with taking care of him. If only she could tell someone about her ability to communicate with the dog, whom she names Dewey. With the help of a possible new friend and, surprisingly, Gramps, Sadie decides to rescue Dewey anyway and bring her home. But if she's caught, it could be big trouble for everyone. In this heartening tale, readers will meet families with two moms, single parents, as well as extended families. Each shares the bonds of love in unique ways. Characters also confront learning disabilities, mental health issues, and bullying in ways that are uplifting and positive. Sadie finds release in her art and her highly active imagination as well as her deep love for her grandfather. Even her brat of a brother has a heart. Realistic issues are depicted with honesty and reach satisfying conclusions. VERDICT Charming and touching, this novel will find a place with fans of realistic fiction who enjoy a bit of sentimentality.-Carol Connorα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. “A touching tale of dogged determination and the magic in unexpected connections.“ — Booklist   "A warm, appealing novel about a girl who learns that even though it might seem like everything is going wrong, a bad day—or year—can always change for the better." — Bookpage   “Smith creates three-dimensional characters and a warm family dynamic, sensitively portraying learning differences and a beloved grandparent with dementia, and exploring difficult feelings without offering easy answers. Sadie’s struggles with friendship and being taken seriously ring true, as do her sympathetic voice and heartfelt love of dogs.” – Publishers Weekly   "A thoughtful exploration of interpersonal relationships and what it means to do right by others and ourselves. A quiet winner for animal lovers and fans of realistic fiction." — Kirkus Reviews   “Charming and touching.” –School Library Journal “Tender-hearted and triumphant, this uplifting story shows the many kinds of ways to be lost and found. I couldn't put it down.” — Gillian McDunn, acclaimed author of Caterpillar Summer and The Queen Bee and Me   “For anyone who doesn’t already know that dogs are magic, this book will make you a believer. Amber Smith crafts a heartwarming story that will have you cheering for the power of a bond between a girl and her dog. Simply perfect.” —Megan Shepherd, NYT bestselling author of The Secret Horses of Briar Hill   “Smith hews closely to the perspective of her eleven-year-old protagonist, tenderly portraying her challenges—the shame of having an IEP, possibly losing a friend to a move, and witnessing her grandfather struggle with dementia—as well as her solutions: rescuing and hiding a dog. Code Name: Serendipity is a heartwarming story about the friendships found in unexpected places, family relationships deepened by trials, and animals who ‘speak’ to us.” —Jenn Bis